(February 1, 2020) MIAMI, Fla. — The Genesis GV80 sport-utility vehicle debuted in North America for the first time, at a media reveal event held in Miami this week. GV80, the first SUV from Genesis, introduces a variety of firsts for the Genesis brand, including responsive electronic control suspension, active road noise cancellation, and an active motion driver’s seat.

“GV80 is our proof of concept that we infuse the spirit of youth and wonder into everything we do,” said Mark Del Rosso, CEO, Genesis Motor North America. “We developed GV80 by looking inward and asking ourselves how Genesis brand DNA could differentiate our very first SUV. I’m overwhelmed by the bench strength at Genesis and what the design, engineering and development teams have accomplished with the GV80.”

The North American event follows a global event held in Seoul, South Korea, earlier in January.

“Two weeks ago, we revealed GV80 to the world in our home of Seoul, South Korea, and the response was overwhelming,” said William Lee, executive vice president and global head of the Genesis Brand. "In a few short hours, we received thousands of pre-orders from customers, and this level of enthusiasm is proof to us that we're on the right track.”

The “V” in the GV80 marque represents versatility that only a Genesis SUV can offer.

The production GV80 realizes the vision of the GV80 Concept first shown at the 2017 New York auto show.

Innovation in powertrain

As an authentic Genesis, GV80 is based on a unique rear-wheel-drive platform; all-wheel drive is optional. Two turbocharged gasoline engines (2.5-liter 4-cylinder and a 3.5-liter twin turbo V-6) will be available for the North American market, each paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The 4-cylinder has been estimated to pump out around 290 horsepower and the V-6 should make around 375 horsepower.

All-wheel-drive models will be equipped with electronically controlled Limited Slip Differential at the rear axle. Full vehicle specifications will be announced at launch.

Electronically controlled suspension with road preview, another Genesis first, helps provide passengers with optimal ride comfort by recognizing information on the road ahead in advance via the front camera.

Athletic elegance takes new shape

The GV80 SUV joins the lineup of G70, G80 and G90 sedans with more than a common thread of design identity. The interior and exterior styling of GV80 was a collaboration among Genesis Design studios located in South Korea, the United States and Germany.

“We enjoyed the challenge of applying our ‘Athletic Elegance’ design language to an SUV architecture,” said Luc Donckerwolke, executive vice president, chief design officer of Hyundai Motor Group. “The precise proportions and attention to every detail denote that GV80 is authentic to Genesis design principles.”

Signature Genesis design elements are immediately visible on the GV80 from every vantage point. The Crest Grille emphasizes gravitas consistent with the positioning of GV80. The Parabolic Line runs smoothly along the side with precise execution, accentuated by power lines above each wheel emphasizing stance and presence. The Quad Lamps, which flank the Crest Grille, are made possible with sophisticated lighting technology.

“The Quad Lamp graphic will become the most recognizable, unique signature of Genesis design, as the simplest of lines communicate a distinct identity," Donckerwolke said. “Two lines will come to define Genesis.”

The G-Matrix pattern that appears in light fixtures throughout the exterior is inspired by beautiful orchids seen when diamonds are illuminated by light. The pattern also appears on the available 22-inch wheels.

The body structure of GV80 is enhanced with hot-stamped, high-strength steel, as well as lightweight aluminum used on the doors, hood, and tailgate that allow it to achieve competitive curb weight. GV80 measures 195 in. x 77.8 in. x 67.5 in. (LWH), with a wheelbase of 116.3 in.

Luxury in space

The interior of GV80 focuses on “the beauty of white space,” characteristic of the elegant South Korean architectural philosophy. The concept of “luxury in space” defines the open feeling of the cabin of GV80, with the G-Matrix pattern as a motif.

“We were able to express a luxurious feel for the interior of GV80 through reductive design and channeling the Korean roots of the Genesis brand,” said SangYup Lee, senior vice president, head of Genesis Design. “The concept of the ‘beauty of white space’ is a hallmark of Korean design.”

The width of the interior of GV80 was emphasized through the design of sleek, thin air vents that run across the passenger compartment. A 14.5-inch, split-screen infotainment display sits front and center atop the dashboard. The number of hard buttons and switches was intentionally kept to a minimum, both for aesthetic purposes and ease of use. In up-level variants, soft materials cover every surface, from the inside of the door handles to the quilted knee pads that line the lower sides of the console.

The ornate center control unit on the center console covers an electronic, shift-by-wire transmission base with dial-style shift. Handwriting recognition through the Genesis Integrated Controller helps users set a destination or enter data without having to operate a keyboard on the navigation screen — simply by using handwritten letters on the writing recognition control system.